Are Fresh Tyres Really Better?

Are Fresh Tyres Really Better?

If you’re in the market for new tyres for your car, you’ve probably heard your fair share of stories about the importance of purchasing freshly manufactured tyres. You might have a friend that tells you about how tyres that are more than a year old are as good as ‘expired’, and insists that tyres will age and harden when unused – but are they all true? Read on to find out if there’s any truth to these myths!

Tyre Manufacturing Year

Bridgestone offers a product warranty of 5 years from the date of manufacturing. So while it is true that you’ll enjoy a longer warranty period if tyres are purchased early, it’s much more likely that the effects of wear and tear will take place long before the warranty expires. As such, warranty concerns should not be a huge factor to consider when purchasing new tyres.

Myth 1: Tyres sold way past their manufacturing date are likely to not be in tip-top condition.

Not necessarily. Yes, it is true that tyres do age over time. However, tyres are fit for use as long as they are stored properly. Ideally, tyres should be kept in conditions where there are minimal changes to temperature, humidity and exposure to sunlight. This helps ensure the integrity of the tyre and should easily allow for a recommended shelf life of up to 5 years. A one-year old tyre is still considered very, very fresh, as long as it’s been stored properly all its life.

Quick Tip: To check if a tyre has been stored properly, remember to look out for visible defects including cracks and cuts. Also, pay close attention to whether the tyre shop is able to seat the tyre on well. For complete peace of mind, always insist on Bridgestone tyres from any of our authorised dealers.

 

Myth 2: Tyres age at the same rate regardless of storage conditions.

Not at all. As tyres age, they are subject to a process called oxidisation, where oxygen reacts with the compounds in the rubber – causing them to harden and in turn, become brittle with age. It’s true that oxidisation occurs at all temperatures, but it occurs more rapidly at higher temperatures, causing tyres to age faster than usual.

Quick Tip: If your car is parked and unused for more than few weeks at a time, try and find a parking spot that’s shaded and cool, such as in an underground or multi-storey carpark, to minimise the effects of oxidisation.

 

Myth 3: New tyres don’t require as much care as compared to older tyres.

Not true. The same rules of tyre care apply to fresh tyres too. Aim to check your tyre pressure every 2-4 weeks to ensure optimal performance and safety for your drive. Also, inspect your tyre tread every month for cracks or slashes in the rubber which may require professional intervention.

Quick Tip: Need more advice on tyre care? Click here for more interesting tips and articles!